Page 76 of Baby Daddy
CHAPTER 30
Dee
Drake’s parents’ house looked even bigger and more beautiful than the first time I saw it. Though it was only dusk, it was all lit up and resembled a palace right out of a storybook. A parade of fancy cars and limos were lined up in the circular driveway, waiting to be valeted. We were next in line.
“Drake, I’m nervous. I’ve never been to something like this.”
“Relax, D-baby. You’re with me. You have nothing to worry about.”
The uniformed parking attendant opened my door and took our car as soon as Drake rounded it. Taking my hand, he led me to the vast backyard.
My heart thrumming, I took in the scene. It was a scene…at least three hundred glamorous people dressed to the nines, the bejeweled women mostly in black. I suddenly felt conspicuous in my red dress regardless of how gorgeous it was.
Drake’s parents spotted us instantly.
“Darling, how good to see you again,” breathed Drake’s stunning mother, giving me a kiss on each cheek. “You look beautiful. What a fabulous dress!”
Twitching a small smile, I thanked her for the compliment.
Drake introduced me to his father. Orson. Though probably in his early sixties, he looked a lot younger, with his athletic physique, thick wad of salt and pepper hair, and bronzed, taut skin. Though taller and bigger in frame, Drake was definitely a cross between his beautiful platinum-haired mother and his handsome father.
I held out my hand and he shook it warmly. “Drake didn’t tell me how pretty you are.”
“And dear, wait until you meet her daughter,” added Drake’s mother. “She’s absolutely darling.”
“You’ll have to bring her over again. My wife is eager to teach her how to figure skate.”
“I will,” I said nervously, catching sight of a dapper silver-haired gentleman with eagle-like features coming our way. Dressed in an impeccable tux with his hair slicked back, he exuded wealth and power.
“Well, hallo, hallo, hallo.” His voice was deep and bore an accent.
“Gunther, welcome to our home,” beamed Drake’s father, giving him a manly pat on his back. “Is your wife here?”
“Unfortunately, Ingrid wasn’t feeling well after the long flight. She’s resting at the hotel.”
“Sorry to hear that. Give her our best.”
Gunther’s attention shifted to Drake. “So, young man, looks like you made it back in one piece.”
“Good to see you again, Gunther.” Shaking his hand, Drake eyed him coldly.
Gunther’s steely eyes drifted to me. He just didn’t stare at me; he leered at me, eyeing me from head to toe and staying on my exposed chest way too long. The way he looked at me made me want to jump out of my skin.
“So, who is this beautiful fräulein?”
Drake’s father introduced us. He called me Drake’s girlfriend. I twitched a nervous half-smile at Gunther, who I learned was on the verge of buying Hanson Entertainment. Drake had never told me this. Now I understood the magnitude of the “deal.” What was at stake.
The mogul’s lips thinned into a salacious grin as he took my hand and lifted it. I stood as still as a statue as he kissed my knuckles.
“Enchanté, my dear. We must spend some time together.”
From the corner of my eye, I caught Drake’s jaw tightening. Possessively, he wrapped an arm around me, making some kind of statement. Looking across the lit-up yard, Drake’s father’s attention was diverted.
“Gunther…Saul Bernstein, the Chairman of Conquest Broadcasting, and his wife Helen are here. Alexis and I will introduce you.”
“Drake…Dee,” chimed Drake’s gracious mother, “we’ll catch up with you later.” She gave us each a double-cheek kiss before breezing off with her husband and Gunther.
Releasing his arm from my shoulder, Drake stood by me stiffly. “I need a drink.” His voice was tense. “Do you want something?”